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Building America’s Future National Survey

Posted by Content Coordinator on Friday, June 5th, 2009

BUILDING AMERICA’S FUTURE
“Fully 81% of Americans are prepared to pay 1% more in taxes to rebuild America’s
infrastructure. This isn’t typical generic support. In a nation politically divided, the fact
that both Democrats AND Republicans are prepared to pay up to build up America’s
infrastructure is significant.”
“Two-thirds (64%) of Americans are either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ concerned about the
condition of America’s infrastructure. Concern cuts across all regions of the country and
across urban, suburban and rural communities.”
“A near-unanimous 84% want state spending on infrastructure increased, while a similar
83% want the federal government to spend more. Once again, Republicans agree with
Democrats that investment dollars need to be increased.”
“Over two-thirds (69%) say the infrastructure is either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important to
them ‘personally.’ Most policy issues tend to have a narrow constituency. Not here. A
majority from every demographic, geographic and attitudinal subgroup had a personal
linkage to infrastructure – a major reason why support for reform is to high.”
“Only 22% of Americans think the federal government has been ‘effective’ in
improving their state’s infrastructure. A somewhat larger 51% give their governor a
positive evaluation.”
Building America’s Future National Survey Memo
About Building America’s Future
www.investininfrastructure.org
“Building America’s Future (BAF) is a bipartisan coalition of elected officials dedicated to bringing about a new era of U.S. investment in infrastructure that enhances our nation’s prosperity and quality of life. Founded in January 2008 by Governor Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York, BAF boasts a politically diverse membership of state and local elected officials from across the nation.”

3 Responses to “Building America’s Future National Survey”

This is not about fair tax policy. It’s about wise spending policy. Although you can’t protect infrastructure spending from the political process, it’s essential to open the process up. Let projects go forward and demand accountability. Governors and mayors, for example, should take responsibility for choosing the best projects and following through so that they don’t take forever or are mismanaged. Conduct real oversight and invite the media to scruitinize everything. Commit energy and political capital to get things done.

I wonder why “taxes” have become such a dirty work in our culture. The issue of taxes should not be viewed as “how much do I have to pay,” but, rather, “what are my tax dollars buying.”
When I think of infrastructure, the vivid image of deferred maintenance is the first thing that comes to mind. How can we intelligently allow our public facilities continue to deteriorate? An analogy is the recognition of a crack in the tile in a shower; sure, we can continue to enjoy our daily shower every day, but, meanwhile, a constant drip of water creeps through the tile, leading to a build-up of moisture on the wood panels supporting the tile wall. Eventually, this will lead to rot — and, possibly, mold — because the panels and studs do not have a chance to dry. At some point, the only remedy will be a major maintenance job to replace the studs and wall (and possibly, the floor beneath the bathroom). Wouldn’t it make more sense to fix the leak before a major undertaking is required?
This analogy can easily be related to the recent bridge collapse in Minneapolis, and multiple other examples that may not be so blatantly dramatic.
A recent article in The New York Times recounted how cities have seen a strong economic impact on their communities when light rail transportation systems have been introduced.
Again, it’s not what these essential projects cost, it’s what they accomplsh.

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